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12 Day Flavors of Switzerland & France - Friday Departure

From Zurich to Paris
Days
12
From
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Tour Itinerary

Countries Visited

France Switzerland

DAY 1, Friday - Depart for Switzerland
Depart for Switzerland

DAY 2, Saturday - Arrive in Zurich
Arrive in Zurich, Switzerland's financial center and transfer to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure to rest and relax. Tonight, attend an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, followed by dinner. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Zurich
Meals: Dinner

DAY 3, Sunday - Explore Zurich, Lindt Chocolate Factory, Lucerne City Tour
Begin this morning with a panoramic drive through the city center of Zurich. Passing the area of Lake of Zurich, you will catch a glimpse of the famous shopping street "Bahnhofstrasse" and enjoy a magnificent view over Zurich. The tour concludes with a short, leisurely walk through the picturesque Old Town with sights such as the Fraumünster, St. Peter's Church, the Grossmünster and the Limmatquai. Then, visit the Lindt Chocolate Factory, where you'll witness the artistry of Swiss chocolate making, and indulge in chocolate tastings. Next, travel to the city of Lucerne, situated on the shores of Lake Lucerne, and surrounded by the majestic Swiss Alps. Arrive, and begin an orientation tour through Lucerne starting at the Lion Monument. View the 14th century medieval Chapel Bridge forming the centerpiece of Lucerne's townscape, and the covered Spreuer Bridge with its macabre paintings of skeletons, and reapers, depicting the "Dance of Death." Later, travel to Grindelwald for dinner, and overnight
Overnight: Grindelwald
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 4, Monday - Grindelwald, Visit First Cliff Walk by Tissot
A captivating orientation walk introduces you to Grindelwald, an alpine village located in the heart of the Bernese Alps. Afterward, ascend by gondola to the summit, and make your way to the First Cliff Walk* by Tissot. Perched high above the village, this suspension bridge stretches along the edge of a sheer cliff, providing an exhilarating experience. Admire the splendid scenery with the jagged peaks of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau in the distance. Later, make your descent by gondola and return to the hotel with time at leisure*For the Oct 24 departure, the First Cliff Walk will be replaced with Kleine Scheidegg due to its closure.
Overnight: Grindelwald
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 5, Tuesday - Bern, Interlaken
Head to Bern, the capital of Switzerland, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take an orientation walk of the Old Town, and view the iconic Zytglogge clock tower, and the majestic Gothic cathedral. Free time to explore and for lunch on your own. Leave Bern behind and travel through quaint villages, and valleys with the imposing peaks of the Bernese Alps towering in the distance. Arrive in the resort town of Interlaken, nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz. Take a walk, along the town's quaint streets, lined with boutique shops, cozy cafes, and traditional Swiss chalets. Return to Grindelwald. Have dinner at the hotel tonight
Overnight: Grindelwald
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 6, Wednesday - Glacier 3000 Visit
Take a scenic drive through winding mountain roads and verdant valleys and admire panoramic views of snow-capped peaks. Upon reaching Glacier 3000*, board the iconic cable car which transports you to the summit. Step onto the Glacier 3000 platform and take in the awe-inspiring vistas of the Swiss Alps and the Rhone Valley below. Experience the exhilarating Peak Walk by Tissot that takes you across the world's first suspension bridge connecting two mountain peaks at Glacier 3000. Savor traditional Swiss cuisine while soaking in the stunning views. In the afternoon, cross the border into France and travel to Annecy, known as the "Venice of the Alps." On arrival, check into the hotel with time to settle in before dinner at a local restaurant*For the Oct 17 & 24 departures, Glacier 3000 will be substituted with Aiguille du Midi on Day 7.
Overnight: Annecy
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 7, Thursday - Chamonix, Lake Annecy Cruise with Dinner
Embark on a captivating journey to Chamonix, a world-renowned mountain resort, nestled in the French Alps. Arriving in Chamonix, you will be surrounded by the majestic beauty of Mont Blanc massif. Take a tour of the town center and admire the alpine architecture. Dive into the heart of Chamonix's agricultural heritage with an authentic farm experience. Learn about sustainable practices and meet the animals. Observe how cheese is made and make your own butter. Afterward, savor lunch featuring fresh cheeses, homemade bread and other farm-to-table delights. Later, head back to Annecy. In the evening, take a scenic cruise on Lake Annecy* offering breathtaking views of the crystal-clear waters of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Savor a sumptuous dinner** onboard featuring local specialties*For the Oct 17 & 24 departures, the Lake Annecy cruise with dinner onboard will be moved to Day 6, and dinner will instead be at the hotel.**For Sep 26 & Oct 3 departures, dinner onboard will be replaced with dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Annecy
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY 8, Friday - Tour of Lyon, Travel to Beaune, Hotel-Dieu Museum
Travel to 2000-year-old Lyon, a city rich in history, culture, and gastronomy. Explore the Old Town and visit Place Bellecour with its equestrian statue of Louis XIV. View the historic Grand Hôtel-Dieu located on the west bank of the Rhone River. Ascend Fouvière Hill to view the Roman amphitheater, Basilica Notre Dame de Fourvière, and gardens that overlook the city. In the afternoon, continue to Beaune, celebrated capital of Burgundy wines, nestled in the heart of France's finest vineyards. The facilities and cellars of many prominent wineries are situated in Beaune itself. On arrival, take an orientation walk, and visit the Hotel-Dieu Museum, a stunning example of Gothic architecture. Wander through the museum, and view artifacts, medical instruments, and artworks. Afterward, check into your hotel with time to settle in before dinner
Overnight: Beaune
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 9, Saturday - Discover Dijon, Wine Tasting
Begin the day with a visit to Dijon, a city with a rich heritage and home of the tasty mustard. View Dijon Cathedral and the Ducal Palace, a remarkably well-preserved Gothic structure that served as the royal residence for the estates of Burgundy. Free time to explore and lunch on your own. In the afternoon, journey to a nearby village for wine tasting where you will learn about Burgundy's winemaking heritage. Return to Beaune in the late afternoon
Overnight: Beaune
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 10, Sunday - Château de Fontainebleau
Today, depart Beaune and travel through the scenic French countryside towards Paris. En route, visit the magnificent Château de Fontainebleau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Learn about the rich history of this palace that served as a royal residence for centuries. Explore the monarchs' opulent apartments, appointed in different styles from the Renaissance to the 19th century. Continue to the Francis 1st Gallery, adorned with frescoes and stucco in the Renaissance style. Conclude with a visit to Emperor Napoleon's apartments including his bedroom, adorned with the iconic bee motif - a symbol of imperial power and prestige. Free time for lunch on your own before continuing to Paris. Arrive, and check into the hotel
Overnight: Paris
Meals: Breakfast

DAY 11, Monday - Paris City Tour, Vintage Car Ride & Montmartre
Get acquainted with Paris today as you drive along the impressive Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe, Concorde Square, and the iconic Eiffel Tower. Continuing, view Les Invalides, Luxembourg Gardens, Bastille Square, and the renowned Louvre Museum. Afterward, ride in style in a vintage French Citroën that will chauffeur you through picturesque Parisian streets to stylish Montmartre. In Montmartre, prepare for spectacular views of the city from the steps of the Sacre Coeur Basilica. The afternoon is at leisure to further explore this fascinating city on your own. Tonight at dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager
Overnight: Paris
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

DAY 12, Tuesday - Depart France
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast

OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620

Inclusions

Package Includes

  • Small groups of maximum 22 travelers guaranteed
  • Flights New York-Zurich, Paris-New York
    Other departure cities available.
  • 10 nights First Class accommodations
  • 1 night Zurich
  • 3 nights Grindelwald
  • 2 nights Annecy
  • 2 nights Beaune
  • 2 nights Paris
  • Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
  • Hotel porterage
  • All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
  • 20 meals: 10 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 8 dinners
  • Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned vehicles
  • Services of local English-speaking tour manager throughout
  • Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
  • Comprehensive, guided sightseeing and entrance fees per itinerary
  • Active itinerary with unique cultural features
  • Tour Highlights

    Thanks to our small group size, we can get to the heart of our destination, visit places that other tours miss, and get to know the locals.

  • Visit the Lindt Chocolate Factory, where you'll witness the artistry of Swiss chocolate making
  • Admire the 14th century medieval Chapel Bridge, forming the centerpiece of Lucerne's townscape
  • An exhilarating experience awaits you at the First Cliff Walk by Tissot
  • Explore Bern, the capital of Switzerland, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Step onto the Glacier 3000 platform and take in the awe-inspiring vistas of the Swiss Alps
  • Embark on scenic cruise on Lake Annecy offering breathtaking views of the lake and the surrounding mountains
  • Drive to Beaune, celebrated capital of Burgundy wines, and visit the Hotel-Dieu Museum
  • View the striking Dijon Cathedral and Ducal Palace, remarkable Gothic structures
  • Tour the magnificent Château de Fontainebleau, and view Emperor Napoleon's apartments
  • Discover Paris in a vintage French Citroën on a special ride to Montmartre
  • †Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates

    Not Included:
    Optional tours and gratuities.


    Additional Information:
    Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.

    Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manager at approximately 6 PM, we recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM.

    Passengers departing from Paris should select flights that depart no earlier than 6AM.

    Health and Safety Protocols for Discovery By Gate1 Tours

    At Gate 1 we take your safety and security very seriously. We have a strong network of tour managers, local offices, ground operators and colleagues which help us stay informed in all the destinations that we operate. We closely monitor local situations which enable us to make the operational decisions necessary to keep our tours running safely. Millions of people travel the world each year and experience enjoyable and safe trips but crimes against people and property are sadly a fact of life. It is very important to be aware of your surroundings and avoid drawing attention to yourself. Please remember that you have the same responsibility for your personal safety and possessions as you do at home. It is essential to prepare for a safe and healthy travel abroad. Therefore before you travel, we strongly recommend that you visit the website of the US Department of State at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html for up-to-date travel advice on the countries that you are visiting. The website provides useful information on subjects such as safety and security information, health precautions and medications, health insurance and additional tips for traveling abroad. If you do not reside in the United States, we recommend you check your government's travel advisory website for any country you will be visiting. We recommend that you review the safety guidance that may be provided by us, our agents or suppliers, either before you go or when you arrive in your destination. You can also find helpful tips on our website in the "Trip Preparation" tab of each of our tour packages. We do know that in-spite of careful planning, things can sometimes still go wrong, so rest assured, we will be there to help and support you.

    OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620

    Accommodations

    Crowne Plaza Zurich, an IHG Hotel
    This first class hotel is located in the trendy Zurich West area.

    Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof Grindelwald
    This deluxe hotel is located in Grindelwald, a short walk from the village center.

    Rivage Hotel & Spa Annecy
    This first class hotel is located in the alpine town of Annecy.

    Hotel de la Poste
    This first class hotel is located in the heart of the town of Beaune.

    M Social Hotel Paris Opera
    This first class hotel is ideally located in the heart of Paris, on the famous Boulevard Haussman.

    OR Call Us For a Free Quote 1-800-935-2620

    Questions & Answers
      Ask A Question

    Question: How many suitcases can I take with me on my trip?

    Each person is allowed one "check-in," and one "carry-on." Remember to take all valuables with you as "carry-on", because electronic equipment, cameras, laptops, jewelry, business documents and money are not covered by the airlines' liability, so always carry them aboard with you.

    Question: Is Airfare Included in the Price?

    Airfare from your point of origin to and from the trip is not included in the land price.

    Discovery By Gate1 Tours Customer Trip Reviews

    Overall Rating
    4.3
    Accommodations
    4.1
    Itinerary
    4.4
    Professional Staff
    4.6
    Repeat with Operator
    4.4
    Value for Money
    4.2
    Ratings based off 513 reviews about Discovery By Gate1 Tours - currently showing 15 reviews with comments only
    KA Keshava on Mar 30, 2025  
    Accommodations
    5
    Itinerary
    5
    Professional Staff
    5
    Repeat with Operator
    5
    Value for Money
    5

    This was an excellent trip. The tour director, Waleed was excellent. The tour was superb. Leared a lot about Egypt

    WW Walter on Mar 17, 2025  
    Accommodations
    5
    Itinerary
    5
    Professional Staff
    5
    Repeat with Operator
    5
    Value for Money
    5

    Our tour was very enjoyable. Gate 1 Travel continues to provide great vacation opportunities at a "good value"

    SY Shirl on Feb 20, 2025  
    Accommodations
    5
    Itinerary
    5
    Professional Staff
    5
    Repeat with Operator
    5
    Value for Money
    5

    Our guide Ali made everything safe and interesting.  We did benefit from the changes made due to feedback from the 1st year of the tour.

    TM Terry on Feb 20, 2025  
    Accommodations
    5
    Itinerary
    5
    Professional Staff
    5
    Repeat with Operator
    5
    Value for Money
    5

    Our experience on this trip was “epic”. Our team in Kenya, David, Marcus and Tony were wonderful, as was the team in Tanazina of Godliving, HQ, and Baraka. All of the places we stayed were very good.  The food was good as well. The vehicles were great for the safari, better then some we saw! Not sure what could be done better, this was just a once in a life time experience! We are telling everyone about this trip, everyone who wants to go to Africa will be looking at Gate 1 for details! Thank you

    MT Mary on Feb 17, 2025  
    Accommodations
    5
    Itinerary
    5
    Professional Staff
    5
    Repeat with Operator
    5
    Value for Money
    5

    Fantastic trip. Guide, hotels, excursions, meals were all excellent. Finland and the Lapland are a gem.

    SS Steven on Feb 12, 2025  
    Accommodations
    5
    Itinerary
    5
    Professional Staff
    5
    Repeat with Operator
    5
    Value for Money
    5

    One of the best tours we have taken. Gate1 met every expectation and our tour manager, outstanding.

    RP Robert on Feb 03, 2025  
    Accommodations
    3
    Itinerary
    5
    Professional Staff
    5
    Repeat with Operator
    5
    Value for Money
    5

    Our Gate 1 tour manager, Hari Saravan, was exceptional in every way possible. We have not ever (even when we have had personal guides by other operators) had such a positive experience with a guide. He was very organized, communicated effectively and in a timely way in terms of trip management, was personable and highly accessible, and helpful in sorting out minor challenges and questions. Hari was extraordinarily knowledgeable and conveyed his knowledge and expertise in effective and accessible ways. He simply is extraordinary and in large part the reason for our having had such a positive experience in this group tour. An asset in every way imaginable. We would point out that at least one of the accommodations, Great Trails Riverview Resort Thanjavur By GRT Hotels, was notably sub-standard. Other hotels (the Radisson Blu) were marginal.

    RM Ruby on Feb 02, 2025  
    Accommodations
    5
    Itinerary
    5
    Professional Staff
    5
    Repeat with Operator
    5
    Value for Money
    5

    Discovery by Gate 1 delivered what they wrote in their itinerary

    VA Victor on Jan 22, 2025  
    Accommodations
    5
    Itinerary
    5
    Professional Staff
    5
    Repeat with Operator
    5
    Value for Money
    5

    Outstanding 14 day trip to New Zealand. Everything was excellent. Small group of 22. Excellent tour guide and amazing views. We are very pleased.

    AP Amee on Jan 17, 2025  
    Accommodations
    5
    Itinerary
    3
    Professional Staff
    5
    Repeat with Operator
    5
    Value for Money
    5

    This was one of the best trips I’ve ever been on!

    MN Marietta on Jan 15, 2025  
    Accommodations
    3
    Itinerary
    5
    Professional Staff
    3
    Repeat with Operator
    3
    Value for Money
    3

    Excellent information, the look and see of the culture and history of Mexico’s ancient civilization.

    AS Alan on Dec 23, 2024  
    Accommodations
    5
    Itinerary
    3
    Professional Staff
    5
    Repeat with Operator
    5
    Value for Money
    5

    This was our first Gate 1 small tour program which we thoroughly enjoyed. We will focus on future small tour programs offered by Gate 1. Thanks

    PT Pradeep on Nov 13, 2024  
    Accommodations
    5
    Itinerary
    5
    Professional Staff
    5
    Repeat with Operator
    5
    Value for Money
    5

    Our New Zealand tour was well managed. Thanks to Gate1 and the tour manager Aaron.

    DM Dipak on Nov 07, 2024  
    Accommodations
    5
    Itinerary
    5
    Professional Staff
    5
    Repeat with Operator
    5
    Value for Money
    5

    We had a wonderful tour director in Tim De Jong. His attention to detail was amazing. He showed wonderful leadership qualities and was able to bond the tour group into one happy family. At the same time he regaled us with stories of the various places we visited. We had a little disappointment that we could not see Franz Josef glacier as the coastal road south of Greymouth was closed. However the alternate route from Arthur’s Pass to Dunedin, and from Dunedin to Queenstown through gold country towns was very scenic. I would suggest adding an extra day in Queenstown with an option drive to Glenorchy. The local people were very friendly and helpful. The food was always great! This trip is highly recommended.

    CD Carmen on Oct 24, 2024  
    Accommodations
    5
    Itinerary
    5
    Professional Staff
    5
    Repeat with Operator
    5
    Value for Money
    5

    Excellent trip! The only thing I would improve is the flights. Could have been more direct.

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